A 5-year follow-up study comparing Burch colposuspension and transobturator tape for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsThe present retrospective study included 770 patients who underwent SUI surgery with Burch colposuspension (n = 498) or TOT (n = 272). Clinical follow-up occurred at 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Objective and subjective cure rates and intra- and postoperative complications were assessed.ResultsAmong patients who had SUI surgery without another concomitant procedure, the Burch group had a significantly longer mean operation time (41.48 ± 10.61 minutes versus 23.77 ± 10.49 minutes; P < 0.001) and a significantly longer length of hospital stay (3.11 ± 0.49 days versus 1.98 ± 0.40 days; P < 0.001), compared with the TOT group. The rates of unintended functional outcomes were lower among women undergoing TOT than among those undergoing the Burch procedure (long-term voiding dysfunction 0.7% versus 4.2%, P = 0.007; urinary retention 10.7% versus 26.9%, P < 0.001). The 5-year cure rates were similar in the 2 groups (objective cure rate, 73.9% versus 77.5%, P = 0.574; subjective cure rate, 76.8% versus 81.7%, P = 0.416).ConclusionIn terms of efficacy, TOT appears equal to Burch colposuspension; however, TOT has fewer unintended functional outcomes than Burch colposuspension.